ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
THE OPPORTUNITY
Reporting to the General Manager and working closely with the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, the Assistant General Manager plays a key leadership role in the management and strategic direction of Alberta Beef Producers (ABP).
This position provides leadership across operations, strategic planning, government relations, communications, and organizational management while supporting ABP's mission of representing Alberta cattle producers and advancing a competitive, sustainable beef industry. Working collaboratively across the organization, the Assistant General Manager helps ensure Board-approved priorities are effectively implemented, organizational objectives are achieved, and producers continue to receive strong representation and value.
As part of Alberta Beef Producers' leadership succession plan, this position is designed to provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to work alongside the current General Manager, gain a comprehensive understanding of the organization, and progressively assume greater leadership responsibilities. Over time, this role is expected to transition into the General Manager position, providing a unique opportunity for a leader seeking long-term organizational impact.
THE ORGANIZATION
Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is the producer commission representing Alberta's cattle producers. Funded through producer check-off levies under provincial legislation, ABP serves as the official voice of Alberta beef producers on issues affecting the provincial and national cattle industry.
Working closely with producers, government, industry partners, and national organizations, ABP advocates for policies and initiatives that strengthen the competitiveness, sustainability, and long-term success of Alberta's beef sector. The organization also invests in producer communications, education, consumer engagement, and industry collaboration while ensuring responsible stewardship of producer funds.
Governed by an elected Board of Directors and Executive Committee, ABP operates in a highly visible and politically dynamic environment where transparency, accountability, and strong stakeholder relationships are critical to success. The organization has built a reputation for open communication, collaborative leadership, and representing Alberta producers with a strong, independent voice.
For more information, please visit their website: https://www.albertabeef.org/
RESPONSIBILITIES
Executive Leadership & Organizational Management
- Partner with the General Manager to support the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of Alberta Beef Producers.
- Lead the development and execution of annual business plans that support the Board's strategic priorities and organizational objectives.
- Support the implementation of Board-approved policies, strategic priorities, and organizational initiatives.
- Ensure organizational decisions and activities align with the direction established by the Board of Directors.
- Lead, mentor, and develop staff while fostering a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing culture where employees are empowered to lead within their areas of expertise.
- Support organizational human resources practices, including recruitment, performance management, employee development, succession planning, and employee retention.
- Champion the use of technology, systems, and process improvements that enhance organizational effectiveness and support informed decision-making.
- Promote continuous improvement across organizational systems, business processes, and operational practices.
- Ensure organizational activities align with ABP's mandate, strategic priorities, and producer expectations.
Board Governance & Strategic Planning
- Work closely with the Board of Directors and Executive Committee to support effective governance and informed decision-making.
- Assist in the preparation of Board materials, reports, strategic planning sessions, and governance initiatives.
- Support the coordination and effectiveness of Board committees and operational working groups.
- Provide research, analysis, and recommendations on emerging industry issues, policy matters, and strategic priorities.
- Support Board orientation, committee activities, and governance best practices.
- Monitor progress against strategic objectives and organizational performance measures.
Government & Industry Relations
- Build and maintain productive relationships with provincial and federal government representatives, industry organizations, and key stakeholders.
- Represent ABP at industry meetings, conferences, producer events, and government engagements.
- Support advocacy efforts on behalf of Alberta cattle producers by helping develop policy positions and strategic initiatives.
- Collaborate with provincial and national partners to advance priorities affecting Alberta's beef industry.
- Effectively navigate politically sensitive issues while maintaining ABP's credibility and reputation.
Producer Engagement & Communications
- Develop trusted relationships with Alberta cattle producers and demonstrate a strong understanding of producer priorities and concerns.
- Support organizational communications across producer, industry, media, and public audiences.
- Participate in public speaking opportunities, media engagement, and stakeholder presentations as appropriate.
- Foster transparent, responsive communication during periods of industry change or producer concern.
- Champion a leadership approach that empowers subject matter experts while maintaining organizational visibility and credibility.
Financial & Operational Oversight
- Support the development and monitoring of annual operating budgets and organizational financial performance.
- Ensure sound financial stewardship and responsible management of producer funds.
- Monitor organizational performance, operational effectiveness, and key strategic initiatives.
- Ensure organizational activities comply with the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, ABP bylaws, governance requirements, and other applicable legislation.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen operational efficiency through technology, systems, and process improvements.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Business, Public Administration, Political Science, or a related discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and leadership experience.
- 5+ years of progressive leadership experience within agriculture, producer organizations, government relations, industry associations, not-for-profit organizations, or comparable stakeholder-driven environments.
- Demonstrated experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Experience working directly with Boards of Directors, Executive Committees, or similar governance structures.
- Strong background in strategic planning, organizational leadership, stakeholder management, and business planning.
- Experience building relationships with government, industry organizations, producers, and external partners.
- Strong project management, organizational, and execution skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Exceptional written, verbal, public speaking, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong financial and operational management capabilities, including budgeting and human resources oversight.
- High level of political awareness, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
Preferred:
- Experience within the agriculture sector, preferably working with livestock producers or producer-funded organizations.
- Understanding of Alberta's beef industry and the issues affecting cattle producers.
- Experience in advocacy, government relations, public affairs, or strategic communications.
- Experience leading within a not-for-profit, commission, or member-governed organization.
- Demonstrated success implementing organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong technology aptitude with experience improving organizational systems and processes.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Collaborative and empowering leadership style that develops teams rather than micromanages.
- Strong relationship-building skills with producers, government, industry partners, Boards, and staff.
- Strategic thinker with excellent judgment and political awareness.
- Credible communicator who can confidently represent the organization in challenging, politically sensitive, or high-profile situations.
- Strong governance and Board management capabilities.
- Financial and operational business acumen.
- Skilled at balancing multiple stakeholder interests while maintaining organizational integrity.
- High degree of emotional intelligence, resilience, and professionalism.
- Continuous improvement mindset with an interest in leveraging technology and innovation.
- Demonstrates a genuine commitment to serving producers and earning credibility through transparency, responsiveness, and sound decision-making.
- Commitment to advancing Alberta Beef Producers' mission through accountable, collaborative, and effective leadership.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
DARYL HENRY | T: 403.718.5078| E: [email protected] | www.richardsonsearch.ca
